Is it really better, in the long run, to tell a lie that draws a smile than a truth that draws a tear?

Question

If they find out later that you lied and you lose their trust is it realy worth the smile that you brought to their face for a short moment?

Answer 1

no the truth is always better because lies always come back to haunt u. if they find out u lied (wich they almost always do) then they will completely lose trust in u. the key is to tell the truth but to be tactful about it. let them know that ur not trying to hurt them or anything but they need to know the honest truth. most people may have thier feelings hurt at first but they will respect and trust u more in the long run.

Answer 2

I know you have several answers already but I will qoute one of my favorite songs and leave it at that:

Depeche Mode: Policy of Truth

Policy Of Truth
You had something to hide
Should have hidden it, shouldn't you
Now you're not satisfied
With what you're being put through

It's just time to pay the price
For not listening to advice
And deciding in your youth
On the policy of truth

Things could be so different now
It used to be so civilised
You will always wonder how
It could have been if you'd only lied

It's too late to change events
It's time to face the consequence
For delivering the proof
In the policy of truth

Never again
Is what you swore
The time before
Never again
Is what you swore
The time before

Now you're standing there tongue tied
You'd better learn your lesson well
Hide what you have to hide
And tell what you have to tell

You'll see your problems multiplied
If you continually decide
To faithfully pursue
The policy of truth

Never again
Is what you swore
The time before
Never again
Is what you swore
The time before

© 1990 Martin Lee Gore - Depeche Mode
Available on
Albums Violator
The Singles 86-98
Remixes 81-04
Singles Policy of Truth
Videos Strange Too
Devotional
The Videos 86>98
Touring The Angel

Answer 3

No because I would rather u draw the tear with the truth rather than give me a smile with a lie. I will respect u forever for that.

Answer 4

Given the choices between telling a lie or the truth, I would stay silent, because both are dangerous. Change the subject to avoid taking either of the options. There is a saying that would help everyone if they lived by it - Discretion is the better part of valor.

Answer 5

no way. Better a stern word of rebuke than a flattering word. Truth cuts through addictions, and the cancerous effect of sin. If you want to help someone change in the long run, telling them the truth will always aid in that cause. Better to hurt them now, so they can heal later. Some are even healed immediately.

Answer 6

Things aren't always so clear cut.

I've been researching into Buddhism, and the really interesting thing about it is that each of the "truths" that I've learned (only a few), have been obviously wrong (logically speaking)... But I chose to believe in them anyway.... And in so doing, I found a much greater truth...

For instance, I was taught that the path to enlightenment is sure... ie I cannot fail to reach it. I could think of a million reasons for why this statement is wrong. But in accepting this "lie" I learn the inner virtues of faith and hope.

Sometimes the outer truth is different to the inner truth. When you state the truth as you see it (external), it is quite possible that you are missing a much deeper truth.

Answer 7

No, it's never worth losing the trust of someone. It's easy to gain trust initially, fairly easy to retain, but near impossible to get back once lost.

Would be better off to not say anything at all, then.

Answer 8

I believe in honesty all the way. There is, however, ways that you can be truthful without being so severe about it. Honesty goes a long way but you don't have to be so brutally honest that it seems mean. If you need to tell a friend something that you know they are not going to want to hear at least be gentle in your word choices. And remember to let the friend know that you're still a friend and care about them and their feelings.

Answer 9

Phoenix is on the right track with his answer, but I`ll add my 2 cents worth. I do not condone lying, but a small white lie may on occasion be more appropriate. Example: ur friend asks if u think she is attractive, in ur heart u know she is not, isn`t it better to fib a little and tell her there is nothing wrong with her looks, than to be brutally honest and say, no , u r not attractive. She cannot do anything about the way she looks, why lay more on her low self-esteem by telling the truth.

Answer 10

No way! Practice telling the truth, always, in such a way that it might draw a smile -- or if not, at least avoid too many tears.